Zimbabwe joins PATA
TravelBizNews —-
Bangkok : The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is the first national tourism organisation from the continent of Africa to join the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The two organisations signed a Letter of Agreement during the annual Sanganai World Tourism Expo in Bulawayo held from June 16-18, 2016.
The Agreement reinforces Zimbabwe’s determination to increase the numbers of International Visitor Arrivals (IVAs) from influential source markets across the Asia Pacific region and the ZTA has already confirmed its participation at PATA Travel Mart 2016 in Greater Jakarta, Indonesia on September 7-9.
Addressing the signing ceremony in Bulawayo the ZTA’s Chief Executive Officer Karikoga Kaseke described as ‘paltry’ the numbers of Chinese visitors to Zimbabwe over the past 10 years, failing to surpass the 200,000 mark from a country that is projected to supply over 120 million outbound travellers by end of 2016.
PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy said that there would be close collaboration between the two organisations in support of the drive by the ZTA to attract more tourists from the Asia Pacific region in general and mainland China in particular.
“Zimbabwe is a fascinating country with many valuable tourism assets. The government’s new visa regime will enable easier access for visitors from many markets. I look forward to strengthening our ties with the public, private and academic sectors in Zimbabwe and I am convinced that PATA’s many membership benefits will act as a solid foundation for a new bridge that links Zimbabwe with the Asia Pacific region.”
June 28, 2016
